By: Marissa Spencer
Embarking on her new role as 107.7 The Bronc’s lead Program Director, former Music Director, Olivia Parker plans to delight listeners with a summer of Ska and Electronic Dance Music.
Beyond the Mic got a chance to sit down with the Rider senior and seasoned broadcaster, to discuss her plans for the future of The Bronc’s programming. “Music and programming go hand in hand,” said Parker, discussing her initial draw to run for the position. “I had learned a lot and wanted that other perspective, she added.
As avid listeners know, The Bronc broadcasts all year round, including the summer. It’s the program director’s job to collaborate with the music directors to create engaging summer music promotions that keep listeners engaged, tuned in, and passionate about all that the station has to offer.
During the spring semester, Parker announced the two summer promotions with glee, those being Ska Summer on 107.7 The Bronc Retro & Summer House Party on 107.7 The Bronc. The music of Ska Summer is brought to life for listeners by new Music Director, Jacob Acuna (‘27) & while Summer House Party reigns from the creative mind of Music Director, Iso Rampulla (‘26.)
Ska Summer on 107.7 The Bronc Retro will feature a plethora of countercultures within the Ska scene including but not limited to, Ska Punk, Two-Tone Ska & Jamaican Ska. Whereas Summer House Party, exclusively airing on 107.7 The Bronc, will feature the tunes of early electronic dance music to those of today’s club/dance scene. “Who doesn’t want to dance, ” added Parker upon expressing her excitement for the upcoming programs.
“I try to keep my music taste very versatile,” mentioned Parker when being asked about the contrast between the two genres. “There’s a lot of history with both genres, I wrote a whole paper on Ska music,” she added. “You can hear the differences as it evolves through the decades,” Parker explained, furthermore addressing the necessity of such varying genres.
As we prepare for the 2024-2025 academic year, Parker mentioned her insatiable desire to obtain more information in the industry, even as a Senior and executive staff member, “there’s still a lot more left to learn,” she concluded.
There truly will be something for everyone on the air this summer & we have our very own Program Director, Olivia Parker to thank!
Check out Ska Summer on 107.7 The Bronc WRRC2 and Summer House Party on 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM to learn more and don’t forget to tune in, starting Friday, May 24th all the way until Labor Day!
